Catnip

Scientific Name(s): Nepeta cataria L.
Common Name(s): Catmint, Catnep, Catnip, Catrup, Catswort, Field balm

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 23, 2021.

Clinical Overview

Use

There are little clinical data to support any use of catnip in humans, except as an insect repellant. Animal and in vitro studies provide limited data of N. cataria use as an antimicrobial agent or antidepressant.

Dosing

There is no clinical evidence to guide dosage of catnip. A 15% lotion of the essential oil has been used as an insect repellant.

Contraindications

Contraindications have not been identified.

Pregnancy/Lactation

Avoid use. Adverse effects (eg, emmenagogue and abortifacient effects) have been documented.

Interactions

None well documented.

Adverse Reactions

Headache, malaise, conjunctival irritation, and erythema have occurred.

Toxicology

Information is lacking.

Scientific Family

• Lamiaceae (mint)

Botany

Catnip is an aromatic perennial herb native to central Europe, Southern Asia, and China.Fan 2017 It has been naturalized throughout Canada and the northeastern United States. The plant grows to approximately 1 m in height and has dark green, oval-toothed leaves. The medicinal components of the plant are its dried leaves and white flowering tops, which are gathered during summer and autumn.Chevallier 1996, Leung 1996, USDA 2018

History

Catnip is widely recognized for its ability to elicit euphoria in some, but not all, cats, including domestic and large (eg, tigers, jaguars) cats. The catnip response has been described in detail, ranging from stretching and animation to euphoria and sexual stimulation.Tucker 1988 The plant's leaves and shoots have been used as a flavoring in sauces, soups, and stews, and in several patented beverages, as well as in fruit table wines and liquors. It has also been used in teas, dyes, and infusions.Bernardi 2011 The use of catnip leaves and flowers in herbal teas was documented as early as 1735 in the General Irish Herbal. Medicinally, the plant has been used as an antispasmodic, antipyretic, carminative, diuretic, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, sedative, and stomachic.Fan 2017 Additionally, the plant has been used to treat diarrhea, colic, the common cold, and cancer. In Appalachia, nervous conditions, stomach ailments, hives, and the common cold have been treated with catnip tea. The dried leaves have been smoked to relieve respiratory ailments, and a poultice has been used externally to reduce swelling. In the early 1900s, the flowering tops and leaves were used to induce delayed menses. During the 1960s, catnip was reportedly smoked for its euphoric effects.Boyd 1984, Chevallier 1996, Leung 1996, Smitherman 2005

Chemistry

More than 20 different compounds have been identified from catnip, with considerable variation depending on vegetation period and region of growth. Sesquiterpenes and monoterpenes are abundant in the plant, and nepetalactones and beta-caryophyllenes have been identified by various methods, including gas chromatography and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.Baranauskiene 2003, Bruneton 1995, Duke 2002, Gilani 2009, Heuskin 2009, Murai 1984, Peterson 2002,